The Fine Art of California Indian Basketry

Edited by Brian Bibby

California Indian baskets are considered by many to be among the world’s most beautiful, sophisticated, and cherished art objects. This full-color book brings together 62 of the finest baskets ever created, each carefully chosen for their aesthetic value from museums and private collections all over the United States, including the Field Museum in Chicago, the Smithsonian, and Harvard’s Peabody Museum.

Color photographs of each basket are accompanied by insightful commentary not only from art historians and knowledgeable academic scholars, but also from prominent native weavers and California Indian artists in other media. Their eye for native aesthetics shows us how to look at the baskets in a new and exciting way.

Brian Bibby is an independent scholar and cultural activist. He has worked for over twenty-five years with elders of many of the Central Valley and foothill groups, and is expert in their song, dance, language, and artistic traditions. He has also served as consultant and guest curator for many cultural and folk arts programs in California, including the exhibit at the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento.